Kahala Resort

Four new signature suites bring a fresh style of luxury to this Oahu gem.

We’re always excited when a top-notch hotel gets a new suite, but when an iconic property gets four new suites we get downright giddy. On Oahu, away from the Waikiki din, the Kahala Hotel & Resort unveiled four new signature suites in April, each of which brings a unique style of luxury to the oceanfront hotel.

Guests can choose from the two-bedroom and two-bath Presidential or Imperial Suites, or the one-bedroom and one-and-a-half-bath Kahala Kai or Kahala Beach Suites.

The Imperial Suite used to be the Presidential Suite, but after the Emperor and Empress of Japan stayed there, it demanded a new name. What makes it so royal? Maybe it’s the $20,000 rugs on the koa and ohia parquet floors. Maybe it’s the golden onyx countertops. Maybe it’s the loudspeakers in the shower or the TV hidden in the bathroom mirror, for those clients who don’t want to miss a minute of the game. Or maybe it’s the Jacuzzi. Whatever it is, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies (118 square feet each, with views from Kokohead to Diamond Head), we say this suite lives up to its name.

The one-bedroom Kahala Beach Suite, meanwhile, sits at ground level and is mere steps from the beach. We love the outdoor dining area and barbecue grill that can entertain up to 50 guests on the lawn. In addition to the alfresco dining, the suite has a slate wraparound patio with a covered cabana and cushioned chaise lounges—perfect for soaking up the sun and getting some fresh sea air. If your guests must spend any real time inside, they’ll appreciate the furniture from the Nicole Miller Collection.

The second-level Kahala Kai Suite has a cozy beach-cottage vibe, with furniture from the Ralph Lauren Polo Collection and three lanais overlooking the beach, Koko Head lawn and Waialae Country Club. Both the Kahala Kai and Kahala Beach suites have Brazilian Walnut flooring and rain showerheads. (We hear these two suites are best for those looking for privacy.)

The Kahala Beach Suite, in the Dolphin Lagoon wing, has three glass sliding doors opening onto a wraparound patio.

The Presidential Suite is favored by guests for its residential “grand beach estate” feel, we’re told. Some of the cool touches we love: The rainforest leaf-patterned Nepalese pile carpet; a set of original bound Winston Churchill volumes (for some light, casual beachside reading); seashell-inspired glass ornaments; a fully stocked bar with top-shelf liquor; and a library of photographs and books on the Hawaiian Islands. Not that anyone would want to watch TV with the Pacific Ocean right outside, but in case of a rainy day, the suite has three LCD TVs—one 50-inch and two 40-inch (useful when the kids want to watch cartoons while mom and dad play a movie). There’s also a wine bar and a wet bar, living room, game room and (we love this) old-fashioned four-poster beds. Fashionistas will appreciate the décor, which is from the Ralph Lauren Polo Collection.

Nice Touches: All signature suites use the custom line of Purple Water bath amenities by Asprey of London. Each signature suite also has a half-bath powder room for visitors.

While a terrific room is wonderful, what really makes a suite experience sweet is top-notch service, and this is where the Kahala shines. The Suite Amenities Program is complimentary, yet intrinsic to the signature suite experience. Each morning, suite guests get coffee, tea and newspapers at their door. Every afternoon, a special pupu is delivered with the guest’s choice of drink or cocktail. Guests are also entitled to two complimentary treatments at the Kahala Spa, private limousine transports, lei greeting, welcome amenity, daily breakfast buffet at Plumeria Beach House, reserved beach cabana, kayaks, snorkeling gear, standup paddle board, laundry services throughout stay (up to $100 per day), packing services and personalized stationery (for making family back home jealous).

The Kahala Kai Suite is designed in keeping with the Ralph Lauren Polo Collection motif.

Director of Guest Services Geraldine Rojales (grojales@kahalaresort.com) can arrange private tours (especially on sailboats and yachts—what better way to see the islands?), as well as snorkeling and other nature tours. Families will appreciate Rojales’ access to the Polynesian Cultural Center and Wet n’ Wild, and large groups can ask her to set up a private luau on the beach. Top Tip: Ask her to arrange a tour of one of the island’s private estates, complete with picnic and private tour guide.